What’s Anodizing? Process, Types, Benefits, and Uses
Anodizing is a type of surface finish known for enhancing sturdiness, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and the aesthetic of non-ferrous...
RapidDirect Brushed Finishing Services
Create a matte appearance with fine linear or circular lines and enhance your metal parts finish using our professional brushed finishing services.
What’s Brushed Finishing?
Brushed finishing is a surface finish process involving the mechanical polishing of metal surfaces using a wire brush or an abrasive pad to create a texture in a specific direction.
During the brushing process, the wire brush or abrasive pad removes a thin layer of the metal surface, creating a matte appearance with fine lines (grain), which can be linear or circular.
Brushed finishing services work with different materials, the commonest being stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and bronze. Aside from being visually appealing, the brushed metal finish is resistant to scratches and fingerprints.
Chemical passivation is different from coating or plating. The process of passivation involves placing the stainless-steel part in passivation tanks containing dilute acid solutions such as nitric or citric acid.
The choice of solution can determine the name of the passivation. For example, nitric acid passivation uses nitric acid, while nitric acid and sodium dichromate passivation contains nitric acid and sodium dichromate.
Brushing Finish Specifications
| Applicable Materials | Grit/Grain | Glossiness | Visual Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum, Zinc, Titanium, Steel, Stainless steel, Bronze, Brass, Copper | #120, #150, #180, #200, #220 | Unidirectional satin finish | Introduces a textured appearance while helping to hide fingerprints and minor imperfections. |
Advantages
- It creates a visually appealing uniform texture
- It minimizes glare
- Resistant to scratches and fingerprints.
- Compatible with many, including stainless steel, aluminum, and brass.
Notes
- 120# brushing is the standard finish provided by RapidDirect.
- Requires brushing directions
- Irregular geometric features are unsuitable for brushing.
Applications of Brushed Part
Automotive Industry: Interior trims, dashboard components, and door handles feature a brushed finish for a sleek, matte look, reducing glare and enhancing tactile appeal.
Consumer Electronics: Device casings and accessories like laptops, smartphones, and watches use brushed finishes for a premium, modern appearance that resists fingerprints.
Appliances: Refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers often feature brushed metal surfaces for a sophisticated look that hides smudges and scratches, ideal for kitchen environments.
Industrial Equipment: Control panels, levers, and enclosures often have a brushed finish to reduce glare and provide a durable surface that hides scratches and signs of wear.
Surface Finishing Resources
Metal Plating Finishes: Which Plated Finish is Best for Your Custom Parts
There are several metal surface finishing types for prototyping and production. However, not all of them fit well into the...
Brushing Finish Guide: Principle, Applications, and Must-Know Facts
Did you know that one of the most popular tools for finishing parts is the abrasive brush? The reason for...
FAQs
A brushing finish is important for several reasons. Firstly, it enhances visual appeal, offering a distinct aesthetic that can complement various designs. Additionally, it is non-reflective, which conceals scratches and fingerprints and maintains a cleaner appearance over time.
Brushing is applicable to large-scale manufacturing processes, but its feasibility depends on various factors. While the technique itself is scalable, ensuring consistent quality and uniformity across a large volume of products requires meticulous monitoring and control. This can pose challenges in terms of production efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, the equipment and infrastructure needed for large-scale brushing operations may require significant investment.
Satin finishes are characterized by a smooth and uniform surface with a soft sheen that evenly diffuses light. In contrast, brushed finishes can be linear or circular patterns. Furthermore, satin finishes offer a sleek and refined look, while brushed finishes provide a more tactile and textured appearance. Lastly, satin finishes are less prone to showing fingerprints and scratches compared to brushed finishes.
To apply a brushed finish to stainless steel parts, begin by brushing the surface with an abrasive pad or sandpaper with grit ranging from 180 to 240 grit. Apply even pressure and maintain a consistent motion to create uniform brush strokes across the surface. Once you achieve the desired level of texture, switch to finer grit (ranging from 320 to 400) to further refine the finish and impart a polished appearance to the brushed surface. Continue brushing with the finer grit until you get the desired level of smoothness, ensuring consistency throughout the process for a uniform finish.
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